EXCLUSIVE Owen Farrell set to be offered new RFU central contract despite declaring himself unavailable for England duty earlier this week – as a question mark looms over his Red Roses future

• Farrell took the decision on Wednesday in a bid to safeguard his mental health
• His Saracens head coach said the decision should be viewed as a ‘wake-up call’ 
• CHRIS FOY: Toxic backlash has taken a toll on the man behind the iron mask

Owen Farrell will be offered one of the new central contracts to be introduced by the RFU next year despite uncertainty over whether he will ever play for England again. 

The England captain stunned the world of rugby by declaring himself unavailable for next year’s Six Nations Championship on mental health grounds earlier this week, while he is also expected to miss summer tours to Japan and New Zealand.

The RFU want to give Farrell every opportunity to return to the national side however, to the extent that he will be offered a central contract despite being unavailable for selection for an indeterminate period. 

The governing body have earmarked a budget for 25 so-called ‘hybrid contracts’ for players Steve Borthwick has identified as being key to his plans for the 2027 World Cup in a move that will give the England coach greater control over their club appearances and training schedules.

The new deals are due to begin at the start of next season once the RFU have concluded negotiations with Premiership Rugby over a new Professional Game Agreement, which will govern crucial issues such as the calendar and player release dates for the next four years. 

Owen Farrell is set to be handed a new RFU central contract less than a week after stepping back from international duty

The England star has taken the decision in a bid to safeguard the mental health of himself and his family

In addition to guaranteed extra money to top up his £800,000-a-year Saracens salary the central contract would also give Farrell access to the RFU’s medical team including sports psychologist and mental well-being experts.

Farrell’s decision to step away from international rugby has left England without a captain for the Six Nations which begins with an away game against Italy on February 3. Courtney Lawes has ruled out rescinding his international retirement after walking away following the World Cup, leaving George Ford and Ellis Genge as the leading contenders.

Source: Read Full Article